A new era begins for art enthusiasts who love architecture, as “CPAC Green Solution”, a leader in environmentally friendly construction innovation, reinforces its operational philosophy “A PART OF YOUR SUCCESS: Standing by your every success” in collaboration with Mr. Senwi ChataMethiwong and Mr. Pachara Ruenthongdee, architects and co-founders from “Design Synthesis”, to create the stunning “Catenary Arch”, a landmark space for relaxation in the city, making its debut at Bangkok Design Week 2024 (BKKDW2024).

The “Catenary Arch” represents a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of design, merging sculpture and structural engineering. Utilizing the CPAC 3D Printing Solution, this construction features 3D-printed concrete layers that connect in a beautiful display of natural force distribution, while also being environmentally conscious with the use of eco-friendly concrete.

Mr. Senwi ChataMethiwong, Computational Design Director at Design Synthesis, stated that the team has always been interested in 3D printing. Currently, 3D printing in Thailand is mostly used for decorative walls, so the team wanted to challenge the possibilities by developing a structure using the CPAC 3D Printing Solution. They adapted the concept of bearing walls, which only withstand compressive forces, to create architecture that primarily supports compressive loads, maximizing the potential of 3D concrete printing.

“For this project, we aimed to create a challenge by collaborating between humans and tools, merging the roles of architects and engineers. We started with materials and tools, testing the strength and operational systems of the 3D printer while considering material properties and machine limitations. Next, we analyzed the force distribution of the structure using Dynamic Relaxation software to simulate engineering shapes based on various factors such as forces, material properties, functions, and other constraints to achieve a geometric form where all forces are balanced. This led to the creation of the Catenary Arch, demonstrating a self-supporting structure under sufficient compressive forces. Finally, we focused on utility, incorporating Hard matters, a key theme of Bangkok Design Week 2024, to create a landmark that connects people, serving as a meeting point and a space for relaxation for everyone.”

Mr. Pachara Ruenthongdee, Digital Fabrication Director at Design Synthesis, revealed that for the Catenary Arch, they used a 6-axis 3D printer, employing two different types of print heads. The concrete layers for the seating area below are smaller and arranged like a layered cake, while the arch's concrete layers are larger and angled according to the curvature, resulting in a beautifully organized archway measuring 3x3.5 meters and standing 2.7 meters tall. The advantages of the CPAC 3D Printing Solution, with its digital operational system, allow for speed and precision, reducing time and waste material during the process. Additionally, eco-friendly concrete specifically developed to minimize CO2 emissions was used in this creation, showcasing the latest CPAC 3D Printing Solution, a two-component mix (3D printing mortar-2K) combined with a special print head that can control drying times on demand (Set-on-demand) and the use of robotic printing, enabling the creation of complex structures with greater detail and angles (>20 degrees) and non-planar printing beautifully, while also being environmentally friendly.

“As a designer, I see the CPAC 3D Printing Solution technology as a new tool that can create unique works effectively, with potential in all aspects of concrete work, whether in construction or decoration. I believe that in the future, 3D printing technology will be increasingly used in residential projects, focusing more on mass customization, such as making each house unique while maintaining compatible shapes or varying sunshade walls according to the building's location, etc. All of this can be achieved through 3D printing technology without the need for additional on-site preparation, while also reducing the use of formwork.”

Experience architecture that transcends design limits with the “CPAC 3D Printing Solution” at Bangkok Design Week 2024 at the Postal Square, Central Post Office Building, from Saturday, January 27 to Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

 

For inquiries, please contact the CPAC Contact Center at 02-555-5555 and the CPAC Solution Center (CSC) at all branches.